Robert Zidek

Robert Zidek has a diverse work experience in the automotive and engineering industry. Robert currently works as a Principal Engineer at Oxa since November 2023. Prior to that, they served as a Senior Manager and Planner at Woven by Toyota from May 2022 to November 2023.

Robert also worked at Toyota Research Institute, where they held several managerial positions, including Senior Manager of Planning and Prediction from February 2022 to May 2022, Tech Lead Manager of Planning and Prediction from May 2021 to February 2022, and Tech Lead Manager of Decision Making from April 2019 to May 2021. Robert started their journey in Toyota Research Institute as a Software Engineer in Motion Planning from November 2017 to April 2019.

Earlier in their career, Robert contributed to the field as a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Michigan College of Engineering from September 2013 to October 2017, focusing on optimal control formulations for spacecraft and autonomous vehicles.

Robert also worked as a Research Engineer at IAV Automotive Engineering, Inc. from April 2011 to December 2012, where they applied machine learning to parameter calibration and optimization of automotive transmission control systems.

At the start of their career, Robert completed an internship at Porsche AG as a Vehicle Dynamics and Control Intern from March 2010 to August 2010. There, they contributed to the development of vehicle dynamics control systems and managed software requirements specifications.

Robert Zidek obtained a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Mechanical Engineering from Technische Universität Berlin from 2007 to 2011. Robert then pursued their Master of Science (MSc) in Automotive Engineering at the same institution from 2011 to 2013. In 2013, Robert enrolled in the University of Michigan, where they completed a Master of Science in Engineering in Aerospace Engineering from 2013 to 2014. Robert continued their studies at the University of Michigan and earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Aerospace Engineering from 2013 to 2017. Additionally, Robert Zidek obtained a Six Sigma Green Belt certification from Technische Universität Berlin's Department of Quality Science in 2009.